_87A6349 Tippecanoe Battle Field Park Entrance

Nestled between Burnett Creek and Prophetstown State Park in Battle Ground, Indiana lies the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park. The 16-acre park commemorates the November 11, 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe, fought between American forces led by Indiana Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison and Tecumseh's Shawnee-led Native American Confederation under the temporary guidance of the Prophet Tenskwatawa.

Tenskwatawa (the Prophet), Tecumseh, and Harrison Tenskwatawa (the Prophet), Tecumseh, and Harrison

The site is a must-see spot for Hoosier history buffs of all ages and for those wishing to learn more about the state of Indiana's early development.

Battle Field Monument at Tippecanoe Battle Field Park Battle Field Monument at Tippecanoe Battle Field Park

Given the site's significance in American history, the Tippecanoe Battlefield was reserved by the state of Indiana for special recognition as early as 1836. In 1908, Indiana erected the Battlefield Monument to commemorate the battle and to honor the Americans who died in the engagement.

Federal recognition as a National Historic Landmark Federal recognition as a National Historic Landmark

The monument and surrounding park became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum

Tippecanoe County owns the monument and the Tippecanoe County Historical Association operates a fantastic museum on site.

Governor Harrison on the side of the monument. Governor Harrison on the side of the monument.

In fall of 1811, Indiana Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison led a force of approximately 1000 Indiana militiamen, Indiana Rangers, American Army Regulars, and Kentucky militiamen north from the territorial capital of Vincennes towards the "Prophet's Town" encampment along the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers near present-day Lafayette, Indiana.

Historical Marker at the approximate place of Prophetstown Historical Marker at the approximate place of Prophetstown

The Shawnee Chief Tecumseh's brother, Tenskwatawa (the Prophet) had led a religious movement among Native American tribes living in the Old Northwest Territory in the decade prior to the battle. The movement advocated for a collaborative force to resist American settlement on Native lands - essentially a pan-Native American resistance movement.

Prophetstown Reinterpretation at Prophetstown State park Prophetstown Reinterpretation at Prophetstown State park

After establishing an encampment in Greenville, Ohio in the early 1800s - the Prophet and Tecumseh moved their followers to a new village site at the confluence of the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers in 1808 - approximately at the site of present-day Prophetstown State Park.

Interpretive Sign at Tippecanoe Battle Field Park Interpretive Sign at Tippecanoe Battle Field Park

Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa attracted thousands of Native Americans to their village and to assist in the cause of the Native confederates This alarmed territorial officials who sought the land for white settlement.

Tecumseh met with Harrison in August 1811 and attempted to reassure the governor of the peaceful intentions at Prophetstown. Tecumseh then traveled south to raise support from southern tribes, while governor Harrison left for state business in Kentucky.

Under Harrison's absence, John Gibson served as acting-governor, and under his watch, he learned that the Tecumseh was only biding time and that the confederation had hostile intentions.

Upon Harrison's return, he led the aforementioned force north to confront the Native Americans at Prophetstown. As Tecumseh went south, he left his brother in charge of the village. The Americans arrived near Prophetstown and camped along Burnett Creek on November 6.

Tippecanoe Battle - battlefield. Tippecanoe Battle - battlefield.

In the pre-dawn hours of November 7, Native forces under Tenskwatawa attacked the American encampment. Fierce fighting erupted on the site and lasted for two hours. In the end, it is estimated that 70 Native American warriors lost their lives, with an additional 80 wounded. 63 American soldiers and militiamen died, with 126 wounded.

The battle resulted in the destruction of the Prophet's coalition, the burning of Prophetstown, and Tenskwatawa's Nativist movement lost much of its momentum. Prophetstown was partially rebuilt in 1812, but was destroyed during the Second Battle of Tippecanoe a year later.

Tippecanoe Battlefield Park commemorates these events. The site was used by William Henry Harrison in his successful 1840 presidential bid as a rallying place (he gave his first campaign speech here).

Battlefield Monument Battlefield Monument

The Tippecanoe County Historical Association interprets the site at an adjacent museum. Along with an extensive collection, the museum has several exhibits that explain this history in much more detail.

Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum

For museum hours, click here.